Bone Marrow Drive for Boy In Contra Costa

Pat Walsh, Chronicle Staff Writer

Published
4:00 am PST, Thursday, November 20, 1997

1997-11-20 04:00:00 PDT ORINDA -- Family and friends of a 7-year- old with the rare metabolic disorder adrenoleukodystophy, best known as the subject of the movie "Lorenzo's Oil," are asking the public to be tested as possible bone marrow donors today in Orinda.

John Callahan, a first-grader at Dorris-Eaton School in Walnut Creek, was diagnosed with the often fatal brain disease last month. The disease progresses rapidly and the most effective treatment is a bone marrow transplant. The family, normally the best chance for a match, has been ruled out as donors.

"The Callahan family is reaching out with great hope to the community because with a 1-in-20,000 chance, there's probably someone out there who can be the match for John and give him a chance at life," said Mari Tischenko, a family friend.

The American Red Cross will conduct the tests, which require drawing a small amount of blood from those between 18 and 55 years old with no history of hepatitis, heart disease, AIDS or cancer. The test costs $39 but arrangements can be made for those who cannot afford the fee.

Testing will take place between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephen's Drive in Orinda.

The family is hoping Contra Costa residents will stop and be tested on their way home from work. The test takes about 20 minutes. The donor's blood information will be stored in the National Marrow Program Registry.